Chuck Smith a consultant with the Jets

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH  -- Former Falcons standout Chuck Smith went to help out the New York Jets in training camp and was subsequently asked to stay on for the season as a pass rushing consultant.

Smith, a member of the Falcons from 1992 to 1999, was running a firm called Defensive Line Inc., which held camps and trained players for play in the defensive line.

"Chuck Smith's role is to get after it," Jets head coach Rex Ryan said. "If he doesn't get in a fight before the game, that's a bonus ...  Just kidding. But he's so intense."

Smith, a native of Athens who played at Tennessee, had 58 1/2 career sacks in nine NFL seasons. He works with Jets defensive line along with assistant coach Jeff Weeks.

"He such a tremendous pass rush specialist," Ryan said. "I think he's going to be a tremendous defensive line coach in his own right down the road."

Smith, as a former player, has locker room credibility.

"All of the veterans respect him and he's just such a passionate person," Ryan said. "He's really a master at the art of rushing the passer. I think we're very fortunate to have him with us."

Also, Doug Plank, who coached the Georgia Force in the Arena League and was on the Falcons staff last season, is an assistant secondary coach with the Jets.

Two chin strap game

Ryan, a colorful character, closed his teleconference with a message to the Falcons.

"Tell ‘em to strap it up," Ryan said. "It's going to be a physical game when they come up here."

Advised of the warning, Falcons coach Mike Smith was hardly stunned. He worked with Ryan in Baltimore and coached against him in college.

"That's sounds just like Rex," Smith said. "We will. I'm sure it will be a two chin strap game."

Dahl, Peelle back at practice

Right guard Harvey Dahl (ankle) and tight end Justin Peelle (concussion) return to practice on Wednesday.

Quarterback Matt Ryan (toe), running back Michael Turner (ankle), defensive end John Abraham (excused; not injury related), defensive end Jamaal Anderson (chest), defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (shoulder), left tackle Sam Baker (elbow, hamstring) and cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring) did not practice.

Babineaux speaks

Babineaux spoke Wednesday about his arrest last week for possession of marijuana, but would not take any questions.

“First and foremost, I want to apologize to being a distraction to my family, my teammates," Babineaux said. "I want to apologize to Mr. [Arthur] Blank, coach Smith and Mr. (general manager Thomas) Dimitroff and also the fans, most importantly. I’m embarrassed to standing here in front of you guys [the media]. But as you all are aware, it’s an ongoing legal matter and I can’t talk about it or answer any questions.”